Stormy forecast prompts flood warning for parts of province
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 21/04/2022 (1293 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
A storm bringing heavy snow and rain could flood parts of Brandon and Westman this weekend.
The province’s Transportation and Infrastructure’s Hydrologic Forecast Centre issued an overland flood warning for most of southern Manitoba. The alert covers the Saskatchewan border eastward to Provincial Trunk Highway 12 east of Winnipeg, and from the United States border northwards to the Trans-Canada Highway.
The warning could extend north of the Trans-Canada between highways 5 and 16, and north of the Trans-Canada between Portage la Prairie and Winnipeg.
These areas could receive more than 50 millimetres rain and snow, with some parts receiving up to 80 millimetres by midday April 25.
Flooding may occur as some ditches and waterways are still covered in ice and snow, blocking the flow of water. Large amounts of rain and snowfall in a short period of time may cause rapid overland flooding, and residents living in low-lying areas are being asked to prepare.
Weather models vary on the exact location, amount and timing of the storm system. However, central and southern Manitoba basins, including portions of the Red, Souris, Pembina and Roseau river basins on the American side of the border could receive 40 to 80 millimetres of rain or snow by April 25.
The Assiniboine River is still considered a moderate flood risk, but the Red River is listed as a major flood risk. Peak flows along these rivers are not expected until the end of April or early May.
Strong winds gusting up to 70 kilometres per hour are also expected to be a part of this storm system.
In comments on Wednesday, transportation and infrastructure minister Doyle Piwniuk said the Hydrologic Forecast Centre is monitoring the weather system. The province is well prepared for any flooding, and the risk of ice jams on the Red River is low due to previous thawing and ice cutting to allow for water to flow freely.
However, this spring could be the second-wettest on record since 1950, second only to April 1986, said Fisaha Unduche, executive director of hydrologic forecasting and water management on Wednesday.
Local municipalities are in charge of initial flood responses. The Sun contacted the city manager’s office and Brandon Fire and Emergency Services for comment Thursday afternoon but didn’t receive a response by press time.
To get the most up-to-date river forecast information, visit www.gov.mb.ca/mit/floodinfo/index.html.
» The Brandon Sun